Then how do other developing countries make of the proposal? What opportunities does the BRICS Plus promise to them? To get some insight about these, China Today interviewed ambassadors of Iran, Georgia, Nepal, and South Sudan to China as well as two diplomats from Argentina and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Sep 4, 2017
“There are those who say we should fear China’s rise – that we should somehow guard ourselves against it. But we reject such thinking, which would simply leave the UK slipping behind. Instead, we should embrace it,” George Osborne, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced shortly before his five-day trip to China. The declaration was boldly made in an Observer article, which was also co-written by Lord O’Neil, a past economist for Goldman Sachs and the present commercial secretary to the UK’s Treasury. The article argues that “The future prosperity of [ the UK] depends on us strengthening our relationship with the world’s next superpower.” O’Neil and Osborne put forth that by reinforcing the UK’s relationship with the world’s second largest economy, the British would gain greater business opportunities in areas such as manufacturing and infrastructure, whilst the country’s economic stability would also be promoted as more Chinese enterprises would be drawn to expand their businesses in the UK. In some ways, the article almost reads as a love letter to China – surging with the enthusiastic compliments that are almost certainly aimed at getting the Chinese weak at the knees. The grand affirmations – such as “want[ing] to make the UK China’s best partner in the west,” – definitely give off such an impression. These songs of praise […]
Dec 25, 2015
1. What do Chinese people think of the UK? On the whole, we think Brits are polite and well-mannered. However, this is just a generalization – of course, there can be exceptions! 2. The UK and China have had their ups and downs. They fought each other during the Opium Wars, and the British – alongside the French – were even responsible for the burning down of the old Summer Palace. How is the relationship now? Look, people sometimes have disagreements with their colleagues, however, cooperation lies in everyone’s interests. Friendships can go up and down, but as long as their mutual interests will exist, so will the friendship. 3. One of the UK’s top politicians wants his homeland to become China’s best partner in the West. What are your thoughts? Both countries are trying to make use of each other, but doesn’t mean that they are also trying to help each other. As for the negative episodes of the past, like the Opium Wars, both UK and China have moved past these – its all water under the bridge now. 4. After the UK announced its membership of the China-led AIIB, the USA accused the UK of ‘constant accommodation’ to China. What do you make of this? The USA seriously accuses the UK of this? This reminds me of […]
Dec 22, 2015
Are you are foreigner, living in China? Have you mastered two out of the four tones? Learned love gulping hot water on a sizzling summer evening? Are you dreaming of settling down here? Well, fantasize no more! It’s time to wake up and smell the Baijiu! Your Chinese green card may be lurking just around the corner. Why, yes! China’s leadership have vowed to relax the requirements and ease the application process for its permanent residence permit. On Tuesday the 15th of September, China’s key decision-making institution known as the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform (indeed, a rather eloquent name), professed that “China will manage foreigners’ permanent residence in a reasonable, open and pragmatic manner.” The permit bestows foreigners with the same rights as Chinese nationals on matters including investment, property purchases and education. The decision was made in order to attract more foreign talent and investment to the nation. At present, obtaining a Chinese green card is a notoriously difficult feat. In fact, in 2013, merely 4,900 foreigners living in China had successfully gained the golden ticket. A great part of the challenge lies in the extremely selective requirements that are demanded. In order to qualify under the present rules, a candidate must meet one of the following for standards: 1. Be a ‘top talent’. No, this, […]
Dec 17, 2015